Hypoxis Hemerocallidea Research Articles

Buried but unsafe – Defoliation depletes the underground storage organ (USO) of the mesic grassland geophyte, Hypoxis hemerocallidea

Mesic grasslands in South Africa (> 650 mm a − 1 MAP) are rich in herbaceous forbs, which outnumber grass species by more than 5 to 1. Many of these forbs are geophytes with underground storage units (USOs), such as thickened rootstocks, rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, that provide resources (non-structural carbohydrates, minerals, and water) enabling them to resprout after dry, frosty winters, and fire. However, despite their extensive biomass and reserves ostensibly protected underground, mesic grassland geophytes can be severely depleted or extirpated by chronic trampling and grazing of their aerial parts by livestock. This study examined a possible explanation for the demise of grassland geophytes in overgrazed grassland by investigating, in a pot trial, whether the growth of a geophyte and the size of its USOs are negatively affected by simulated green leaf loss. In a 2 × 2 factorial (clipped vs. unclipped x spring regrowth in the dark vs. light), five replicate plants of Hypoxis hemerocallidea, a common mesic grassland geophyte that resprouts from a corm, were subject to six severe (clipped to 80 mm) defoliations during the growing season and regrown in spring under full or restricted light to measure stored reserve contribution to regrowth. Defoliated plants were resilient to defoliation during the growing season, matching the total biomass production of unclipped plants, though cutting reduced the number of leaves by ¬60% and flowers by almost 85%. Spring regrowth on stored reserves equalled that from reserves plus concurrent photosynthesis, indicating the value of USOs for regrowth. However, there was a marked carry-over effect of previous season defoliation, resulting in a one-third reduction in shoot growth and 40% fewer inflorescence in spring. Crucially, corm mass was more than halved by clipping, which resulted in lower spring biomass and inflorescence production. It was concluded that buried stored reserves are not protected from recurrent defoliation and mechanical damage to aerial plant parts and that continued diminishment of USOs under chronic disturbance by overgrazing or frequent mowing would weaken and likely eventually kill plants, reducing overall forb species richness. Lenient management by infrequent summer mowing or grazing at moderate stocking rates combined with periodic rotational full season resting and dormant-season burning is recommend to maintain the USOs and vigour of grassland geophytes in mesic grassland.

Ex vitro vegetative propagation technique for sustainable utilization of Hypoxis hemerocallidea corms

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is a highly utilized medicinal plant, with the potential to treat testicular tumors, prostate hypertrophy and urinary infections. Although currently classified as of least concern in its conservation status, its ongoing, unsustainable harvesting and habitat loss remain threats to its natural populations. The potential of using one-half of H. hemerocallidea corms for propagation and the other half for medicinal purposes was investigated in an effort to develop sustainable utilization strategies for this plant. The corms were cut transversely into upper and lower halves, following which the upper halves were either cut into four or eight equal segments, or used without any further cutting. The segments were soaked for 30 min in 6-benzyladenine (BA) or gibberellic acid (GA3) at concentrations of 50 or 100 mg/L, while soaking in distilled water served as the control. Upper parts of the corm cut into four segments, and soaked in 50 mg/L BA resulted in a high number of cormlets. The propagation coefficient of the upper corm parts cut into four segments and soaked in 50 mg/L BA was 140%. The cutting method alone or combined with plant growth regulator treatments significantly affected the number of cormlets produced. Cutting the upper corm parts into four segments and soaking in distilled water resulted in a propagation coefficient of 90%. Cutting the upper corm parts into four segments is advantageous as the segments are not too small to compromise food reserves, while soaking allows for the leaching out of possible growth retardants. The study successfully developed a method, which can be recommended for sustainable harvesting and propagation of H. hemerocallidea.

In utero exposure to Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall. improves metabolic syndrome parameters in pregnant rats and offspring

Context: Intrauterine and early life environments contribute to adult metabolic phenotype. Use of medicinal plants like Hypoxis hemerocallidea during pregnancy raises the question of whether this species may have epigenetic benefits or detriments due to intrauterine-programming, which is phenotypically expressed in the offspring. Aims: To evaluate the effect of H. hemerocallidea on selected markers of metabolic syndrome on dams and their pups (offspring). Methods: Pregnant female Wistar rats (n=18) were divided into three treatment groups (n=6/group): Ethanol extract of H. hemerocallidea at 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w and the control (distilled water) were administered for 21 days. Body weights were monitored and oral glucose tolerance was determined for dams on day 20 of gestation and for pups 28 days postpartum. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), LDL and HDL were determined 28 days postpartum. Results: H. hemerocallidea had no effect on body and organ weights of the treated dams. Pups born to H. hemerocallidea dams had reduced visceral fat compared to the untreated controls. H. hemerocallidea increased the glucose tolerance of treated dams and their pups compared to untreated controls. H. hemerocallidea extract increased serum HDL in treated dams while it decreased LDL in pups born to treated dams. H. hemerocallidea increased TAC in pups born to treated dams. Conclusions: H. hemerocallidea protected pregnant dams and their pups from insulin resistance, improved lipid profiles, reduced visceral fat accumulation and boosted total antioxidant capacity in pups. These protective effects of H. hemerocallidea in pups may have resultedfrom intrauterine programming during pregnancy.

Optimization of hot-air drying conditions on functional properties of flour from dried South African sweet potato cultivars (Impilo and Bophelo) using the response surface methodology

The response surface method (RSM) has an important application in formulation of new products. This study determined the effect of electric hot-air drying on the functional properties of flour made from orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP). Flour from the cultivars Bophelo (B) and Impilo (IM) were treated with 13 temperature-time combinations designed by STAT EASE software version 8.01.0. Bophelo flour dried at 70 °C for 8.6 hrs and Impilo at 70 °C for 14.4 hrs showed the lowest gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH), indicating ease of cooking. The highest swelling power of 12.45 g/g for Bophelo and 8.16 g/g for Impilo were significantly higher than the remaining samples. Flours for Bophelo and Impilo at drying temperatures and times at 70 °C for 4.4 hrs, 56 °C for 6.5 hrs and 60 °C for 6.5 hrs indicated favourable gelling properties and cost of drying, implying that these can be used at household level and in food industries as thickeners from both cultivars.

Impact of acute, oral ingestion of hypoxoside from African potato on hepatic and renal function tests in HIV infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy

ObjectivesAfrican potato (hypoxis hemerocallidea) is used against HIV to enhance immune-function, although no studies have evaluated its use in HIV infected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy. The study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of orally administered hypoxoside, a constituent of African potato, on the hepatic and renal function in HIV infected individuals on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/ lamivudine/ efavirenz regimen. MethodsThis was an open-label, two-period, fixed-sequence, pre-post test study, pilot design. Ethical approval was obtained from Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ A/2045) and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ CT134/2016). Blood samples were collected before and after administration of African potato tablets. Tablets were administered orally once daily at 15 mg/ kg hypoxoside for 10 days. Hepatic function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, albumin, total/ direct bilirubin); renal function tests (eGFR, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine), serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) were assayed. STATA was used for statistical analysis. ResultsTwenty-six participants were enrolled (85 % female). Median age (range) was 43 (28–52) years. Most had overweight Body Mass Index (46 %) and were married (54 %). No statistical difference was noted during hypoxoside for AST/ ALT/ ALP/ GGT/ albumin/ bilirubin. There were no changes in creatinine/ eGFR/ electrolytes. A mean significant increase in total protein (p = 0.04) and decrease in blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.04) were noted. ConclusionShort-term exposure to hypoxoside from African potato appeared safe and was not associated with clinically significant changes in hepatic, renal function tests/ electrolytes. There is further need to evaluate extent of systemic exposure during long-term use in a larger population. Clinical trial registration numberPACTR201909691101062

An ethnobotanical survey of traditional medicinal plants used against elephantiasis in the or Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Introduction: Elephantiasis is a medical condition associated with skin thickening and excessive swelling of the lower limbs. It is caused by parasitic nematodes which are filarial in nature; hence, it is also known as lymphatic filariasis. The condition is classified into filarial and nonfilarial elephantiasis. Filarial elephantiasis is caused by infection with nematode worms which are transmitted by several genera of mosquitoes. Nonfilarial elephantiasis is a result of cases such as tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, leprosy, and repeated streptococcal infections, leading to elephantiasis. South African population is at risk of the disease and treating it is still a problem. This study documents medicinal plants that are used for the treatment of elephantiasis and related infections in the OR Tambo District municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Materials and Methods: An ethno botanical survey of medicinal plants used against elephantiasis in King Sabata Dalindyebo, Ingquza-Hill and Nyandeni municipal areas in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape Province was conducted using structured questionnaires. The information was gathered from 30 traditional healers, 4 herbalists, and 3 young people with indigenous knowledge. Results and Discussion: A total of 29 plant species belonging to 23 families that are used to treat elephantiasis were recorded. Convolvulaceae (Ipomoea oblongata), Dioscoreaceae (Dioscorea sylvatica), Gunneraceae (Gunnera perpensa), Hypoxidaceae (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), and Ranunculaceae (Clematis brachiata) were the most frequently mentioned in all three municipal areas. The H. hemerocallidea had the highest use-value (0.31), followed by Elephantorrhiza elephantina (0.27) and G. perpensa (0.24). Bark, root, rhizome and leaf decoction and infusion, as well as cooked bark or leaves are commonly used to treat elephantiasis. Some plant parts are ground into powder, mixed with water and applied on affected skin as poultice.

Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors from South African medicinal plant extracts using molecular modelling approaches

The coronavirus is a group of viruses found in animals as well as humans and have been detected since the 1960s. However, a newly identified form, SARS-CoV-2, has triggered a recent pandemic of respiratory disease now called COVID-19. There is currently no specific antiviral drug for the treatment of this pandemic, with most treatment strategies focused on symptomatic management and supportive therapy. As such, several drug discovery efforts are ongoing for potent treatment agents, with medicinal plants gradually gaining prominence. Approximately 80% of the South African population use traditional medicines to meet their primary health care needs. The current study aimed to identify potential COVID-19 therapeutic agents from a list of 29 bioactive compounds isolated from commonly used South African medicinal plants using molecular docking and molecular dynamics. Molecular docking identified arabic acid from Acacia senegal and L-canavanine found in Sutherlandia frutescens as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like main protease. Similarly, hypoxoside isolated from Hypoxis hemerocallidea and uzarin from Xysmalobium undulatum, were identified as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain and SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent polymerase. These four bioactive compounds exhibited favourable binding orientations characterized by strong molecular interactions within respective inhibitors binding pockets of the target enzymes. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the binding of the identified inhibitors are characterized by structural perturbations which favour the inhibitory potency of these bioactive compounds. Additionally, in silico pharmacokinetic assessment of the compounds demonstrated favourable anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties. Although not conclusive, further experimental exploration of these compounds could serve as a starting point for the discovery of novel SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic.

Hypoxis hemerocallidea cormlet production in response to corm cutting and exogenous application of plant growth regulators

The study was undertaken to understand the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on cormlet production in Hypoxis hemerocallidea corm cuttings. In the first experiment, conducted in spring and summer, whole corms and corms subjected to chipping into four or eight segments or to scooping were used. These were soaked in 1.0 g L− 1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 0.5 g L− 1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), a combination of 1.0 g L− 1 IBA and 0.5 g L− 1 NAA, or distilled water (control) for 16 h. In the second experiment, corms cut by chipping into eight segments were soaked in 25, 50, or 100 mg L− 1 of 6-benzyladenine (BA) or gibberellic acid (GA3), as well as their combinations (100 mg L− 1 GA3 + 25 mg L− 1 BA, 100 mg L− 1 BA + 25 mg L− 1 GA3) for either 30, 60, or 120 min. Soaking corm cuttings chipped into equal segments in distilled water significantly increased the number of cormlets compared to soaking in IBA or NAA. Chipping into eight segments and soaking in distilled water resulted in a significantly higher number of cormlets in the summer experiment. There were no significant differences in the number of cormlets when the eight segments of corm cuttings were soaked in BA and GA3. Soaking the corm cuttings for 120 min in GA3 at 25 mg L− 1 resulted in all eight segments of the cuttings producing one cormlet each. This is the first report on vegetative propagation of H. hemerocallidea showing that PGRs' had no positive effect on cormlet production.

African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea): a systematic review of its chemistry, pharmacology and ethno medicinal properties

BackgroundAfrican Potato (hypoxis hemerocallidea), is used for enhancing immune system in Southern Africa. It is among the plants of intense commercial and scientific interest; hence, the aim of this study was to describe its chemistry and pharmacology.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL) and Google Scholar were searched independently for relevant literature. The last search occurred in October 2018. Other research material was obtained from Google. The following search terms were used, but not limited to: “African Potato”, “hypoxis”, “hemerocallidea”, “rooperol.” Articles that were explaining the chemistry and pharmacology of hypoxis hemerocallidea were included.ResultsThirty articles from PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar were eligible. Three webpages were included from Google. Results showed that the tuberous rootstock (corm) of African Potato is used traditionally to treat wasting diseases, testicular tumours, insanity, barrenness, impotency, bad dreams, intestinal parasites, urinary infection, cardiac disease and enhancing immunity. The plant contains hypoxoside, which is converted rapidly to a potent antioxidant, rooperol in the gut. The corm contains sterols, sterol glycosides, stanols, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins and reducing sugars. A dose of 15 mg/kg/day of hypoxoside is reportedly therapeutic. Preclinical studies of African Potato have shown immunomodulation, antioxidant, antinociceptive, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, uterolytic, antimotility, spasmolytic and anticholinergic effects. The common side effects of African Potato are nausea and vomiting, which subside over time. In vitro, African Potato demonstrated inhibitory effects on CYP1A2, 2C9, 2D6, 3A4, 3A5, CYP19-metabolism and induction of P-glycoprotein. In vivo, it did not alter the pharmacokinetics of efavirenz or lopinavir/ritonavir.ConclusionAfrican Potato is mainly used as an immunostimulant. The exact mechanisms of action for all the pharmacological actions are unknown. More research is required to substantiate claims regarding beneficial effects. There are many research gaps that require investigation including pharmacokinetic interactions with conventional drugs, especially those used in HIV/AIDS.

Ethno-veterinary plants used for the treatment of retained placenta and associated diseases in cattle among Dinokana communities, North West Province, South Africa

Farmers and herders often interface ethno-veterinary knowledge and modern veterinary to treat their livestock. Viability of livestock production in local communities is continuously under the threat due to different diseases including retained placenta. The current study documented medicinal plants used to treat retained placenta and associated diseases in Dinokana communities, North West Province, South Africa. Ethnobotanical data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The collected data was presented as percentages and frequencies, use-value, frequency of citation and cultural importance index. In the study area, 25 plants from 18 families were indicated as remedies for the treatment of retained placenta in cattle. Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Peltophorum africanum, Drimia sanguinea and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the most cited plants. The most dominating life forms were herbs (40%) and shrubs (36%). The plant parts commonly preferred in the preparation of remedies for retained placenta included the roots (36%) and leaves (21%) and whole plant (18%). Poultice (68%), maceration (24%) and decoction (8%) were the three methods of preparation that were described by the participants. Most (68%) of plants were administered topically. As indicated by the participants, at least 20% of the 25 medicinal plants had multiple indications (uses) either as single-plant or poly-plant remedies against diseases in cattle. Apart from retained placenta in cattle, these plant remedies were used for constipation, intestinal parasites, anaemia, pain and inflammation as well as diarrhoea. The study unravelled the rich indigenous knowledge on plants with ethno-veterinary value among Dinokana communities. Further studies are needed in order to determine biological activities and safety as well as the chemical profiles for these documented plants especially for those currently lacking scientific evidence on their efficacies.

Diversity and Conservation through Cultivation of Hypoxis in Africa—A Case Study of Hypoxis hemerocallidea

Africa has the largest diversity of the genus Hypoxis, accounting for 61% of the current globally accepted taxa within the genus, including some endemic species. Using Hypoxis hemerocallidea as a case study, this review addresses the conservation concerns arising from the unsustainable, wild harvesting of a number of Hypoxis species. Hypoxis hemerocallidea is one of the wild-harvested, economically important, indigenous medicinal plants of southern Africa, with potential in natural product and drug development. There are several products made from the species, including capsules, tinctures, tonics and creams that are available in the market. The use of H. hemerocallidea as a “cure-all” medicine puts an important harvesting pressure on the species. Unsustainable harvesting causes a continuing decline of its populations and it is therefore of high priority for conservation, including a strong case to cultivate the species. Reviewing the current knowledge and gaps on cultivation of H. hemerocallidea, we suggest the creation of a platform for linking all the stakeholders in the industry.

Medicinal plants sold for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases in humans in Maputo city markets, Mozambique

BackgroundIn Mozambique, bacterial and parasitic diseases contribute to a high burden of mortality and morbidity. These infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics, antihelmintic or antiparasitic drugs. However, misuse of these has been affecting the potential to treat ailments. It has been reported that many people from Maputo city and province apart from the existing contemporary medicine, still use medicinal plants for treatment of diseases due to traditional heritage and beliefs. It is, therefore, important to register this knowledge in order to use it for future pharmacological studies. This study aimed to identify the medicinal plants sold in Xipamanine, Xiquelene and Mazambane markets for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases.MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey, using interviews, was conducted to the main vendors of the markets. Data about the plant name, part used, mode of preparation and administration route were collected.ResultsA total of 64 medicinal plants belonging to 32 families were listed as sold for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases in the three markets. Terminalia sericea, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Tiliacora funifera and Hypoxis hemerocallidea were the most cited plants. Roots were the most often sold suggesting it is the most used part. We also found out that medicinal plants trade is still common in Maputo markets. This suggests that people still use plant-based herbal medicines for their basic health care.ConclusionsSeveral medicinal plants were sold in Maputo city’s markets for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases, with more emphasis on diarrhea and helminthiases. These plants were commonly bought by local residents and play an important role in the subsistence of vendors. Pharmacological studies are needed in order to isolate the plants active principles and understand their mechanism of action, so that new drugs can be developed.

Norlignan glucosides from Hypoxis hemerocallidea and their potential in vitro anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of iNOS and NF-κB

Eleven diarylpentanoid/norlignan glucosides, along with five other specialized metabolites, were isolated and characterized from the hydro-alcoholic extract of Hypoxis hemerocallidea corms. Hypoxhemerolosides A-F were found to be undescribed compounds. Curcapicycloside was isolated and identified for the first time in its original form, previously it was reported as a methylated derivative. In addition, (1S,2R)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-β-D-glucopyranoxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methoxypent-4-yn-2-ol and (1S,2R)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-ethoxy-5-(4-β-D-glucopyranoxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)pent-4-yn-2-ol were isolated and characterized as artifacts, generated during extraction/isolation procedures from possible 1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-β-D-glucopyranoxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)pent-4-yne-1,2-diol. Structure elucidation was mainly achieved by the interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The isolated compounds were screened for anti-inflammatory activity in terms of iNOS and NF-κB inhibition as well as for cytotoxicity. Hypoxhemerolosides C-E and obtuside A moderately inhibited nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7).

Antiuropathogenic and antioxidant activities of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Lam. extracts, and compounds from its taxonomically related species

Antiuropathogenic and antioxidant activities of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Lam. extracts, and compounds from its taxonomically related species

Soil Parameters Affecting the Antioxidant Activity of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Corm Extracts in Different Areas of South Africa

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is wild harvested and widely used due inter alia to its strong antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity is linked to plant stressors like soil heavy metals concentrations and pH. If high antioxidant activity is caused by heavy metals stressing the plant, the plant may not be completely safe. Soils and H. hemerocallidea corms were collected from five different geographical regions of South Africa. The highest corm and soil heavy metals concentration were Fe, Mn and Cr, with Fe having the highest, particularly for corms collected from Ga-rankuwa (83.7 ± 0.03 μg/g). The soil and corm samples from Ga-rankuwa with high levels of metals (Fe, Cr, Ni, Pb) had greater antioxidant activity (EC50 of 1.68 ± 0.49 μg/mL). Despite corms showing ability to bio-accumulate heavy metals, the antioxidant activity could not be linked to environmental conditions. The results highlight potential danger of using naturally harvested bulbs growing in unidentified soils

Response of three mesic South African perennial grassland forbs to defoliation and competition

The importance of maintaining biodiversity in natural grasslands under livestock production systems has been recognised. Forbs contribute more to species richness than grasses in South African grasslands. However, little is known about the impact of grazing and grass competition on the population dynamics of forbs. The aim of this study was to determine the response of three mesic grassland perennial forb species to simulated intensive defoliation and interspecific competition from a neighbouring dominant grass, Themeda triandra, in a field experiment. Two of the selected forb species are sensitive to defoliation (Afroaster hispida and Gerbera ambigua) and one is potentially resistant to defoliation (Hypoxis hemerocallidea). Defoliation resulted in smaller plants of all three species following regrowth. Only A. hispida showed an interaction response to defoliation and competition. Thus, a competitive release was observed for A. hispida in that the height of defoliated plants was reduced by 45% compared with undefoliated plants under full competition, but there was no difference under partial or no competition. Gerbera ambigua was unaffected by competition. Hypoxis hemerocallidea was sensitive to competition irrespective of being defoliated or undefoliated. Findings of this study highlighted an individual response such that a general response cannot be predicted.

Morphological alterations in the hypothalamus and pancreatic-islets following the use of hypoxis hemerocallidea in diabetic rats under antiretroviral therapy

Morphological alterations in the hypothalamus and pancreatic-islets following the use of hypoxis hemerocallidea in diabetic rats under antiretroviral therapy

The In Vitro Immunomodulatory Effects Of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized From Hypoxis hemerocallidea Aqueous Extract And Hypoxoside On Macrophage And Natural Killer Cells.

BackgroundMacrophages and Natural Killer (NK) cells are an integral part of the innate immune system. These cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial infections. However, prolonged inflammation can be a contributing factor in the etiology of several diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and eczema. Reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines is an effective treatment strategy for these conditions. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been shown to have immunosuppressive effects. Extracts of the Hypoxis hemerocallidea plant have also been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. It has been demonstrated previously that extracts of the H. hemerocallidea can be used to synthesize AuNPs.PurposeThis study aimed to investigate whether AuNPs synthesized using H. hemerocallidea extract and its major secondary metabolite, hypoxoside, have any immunomodulatory effects in macrophages and NK cells.MethodologyAuNPs derived from the H. hemerocallidea extract were synthesized as previously described. Using similar methodologies, this study shows for the first time the synthesis of AuNPs from hypoxoside. The AuNPs were characterized using several optical and spectroscopic techniques. The immunomodulatory effects of the aqueous extract of H. hemerocallidea, hypoxoside, as well as the AuNPs produced from the extract and hypoxoside, were investigated by measuring the cytokine levels in macrophages (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and NK cells (IFN-γ) using solid phase sandwich ELISA technique.ResultsThe results show that spherical AuNPs (average size 26 ± 2 nm) were synthesized from hypoxoside. The results also show that the four treatments (H. hemerocallidea extract, hypoxoside and their respective AuNPs can lower the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the macrophages cells, while only AuNPs produced from hypoxoside can reduce cytokine responses in NK cells.ConclusionThis study shows that all four treatments investigated here could be further explored for the development of anti-inflammatory therapies.

Tswana traditional health practitioners' perspectives on the management of diabetes and hypertension: a qualitative study using focus group discussions.

IntroductionThe literature suggests the involvement of Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) perspectives in treating diabetes and hypertension in Africa. This study sought the perspectives of Tswana THPs in the management of both diabetes and hypertension.MethodsUsing a semi-structured interview guide, four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) sessions were held with 40 THPs; FGD1 (12) FGD2 (6); FGD3 (13) and FGD4 (9) who were purposely selected from Bojanala and Dr. Ruth Sekgopomati Districts in the North-West Province of South Africa.ResultsTswana THPs perceived diabetes as a “sugar” disease and described hypertension as a disease associated with the abnormal flow of blood in a patient's body. In addition, some of the signs and symptoms of both diabetes and hypertension mentioned by Tswana THPs agreed with scientific literature. Tswana THPs employed the use of the following plants: borago officinalis, ziziphus mucronata, hypoxis hemerocallidea, sutherlandia frutescens, senna italica, urginea sanguinea and eucalyptus globulus in the management of diabetes and hypertension.ConclusionSome of the medicinal plants employed by THPs in the management of both diabetes and hypertension has been proven scientifically to be effective against these chronic conditions.

Extreme resistance to late blight disease by transferring 3 R genes from wild relatives into African farmer-preferred potato varieties

Three late blight resistance (R) genes from wild potato species were transferred as a stack into the farmer-preferred varieties ‘Tigoni’ and ‘Shangi’. Transgenic events were tested by detached-leaf assays (DLA) and whole-plant assays (WPA) with isolates of Phytophthora infestans using 20,000 sporangia / mL inoculum. For the first DLA, 9 out of 13 ‘Tigoni’ and 10 out of 12 ‘Shangi’ transgenic events had scores below 3% of leaf affected area. 17 of the 19 transgenic events with low scores were subjected to a second DLA using two different P. infestans isolates. 8 of them exhibited extreme LB resistance while the remaining 9 transgenic events showed hypersensitive response (HR). 6 transgenic events (2 ‘Tigoni’ and 4 ‘Shangi’) with extreme resistance by DLA were subjected to WPA and they all exhibited extreme resistance to LB. Hence, this study demonstrates that a simple DLA predicts high level of resistance to late blight. R gene expression analysis in 18 transgenic events showed different transgenic events exhibiting different levels of expression in the three genes. However, that pathogen induction and / or high R gene expression are necessary for extreme resistance when transgenic events bear a stack of three R genes was not observed. Key words: Detached-leaf assay, late blight, Phytophthora infestans, resistance.